US condemns Macau's conviction of pro-democracy ex-lawmaker Au Kam San

The United States has expressed strong disapproval over the conviction of Au Kam San, a former Macau lawmaker, under the territory's National Security Law. Au was found guilty of subversion and other offences following a rapid trial that took place over three days with restricted public access.

The closed-door nature of the proceedings has raised concerns among international observers regarding transparency and judicial fairness. The swift conclusion of the trial has drawn criticism from those who question whether adequate time was afforded for proper legal proceedings.

Au Kam San's conviction marks another significant development in Macau's application of its National Security Law, legislation that has been used to prosecute individuals accused of undermining state security. The US statement reflects broader international concerns about the implementation of such security laws in the region.

The case adds to mounting scrutiny of how Macau, which operates under a "one country, two systems" framework distinct from mainland China's governance model, has applied national security provisions introduced in recent years. The conviction signals a continued tightening of political space in the territory.